THINGS got unexpected when defending champion Holy Trinity College (HTC) of General Santos City Wildcats pulled off a shock over the determined Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Crusaders 92-91 via overtime in the thrilling championship game of the Escandor Cup 2017 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Mindanao Finals on Saturday evening.
The game drew some 300 spectators from all over Mindanao that crowded the Davao City Recreation Center.
Cheers and jeers were all over the venue as the clash of the two much-anticipated teams from Mindanao uncovered everything they prepared for in a bid to qualify for the PCCL National Finals set in February next year in Manila.
The Wildcats' win was indeed unexpected as the Crusaders surged a 41-28 advantage within the frame of the second quarter that almost justified the idea that speed could beat heft in basketball.
The Crusaders basked in its convenient lead, when the Wildcats ascended its way behind the firepower of Joseph Diamante and Louie Omadle who sizzled for 26 points combined in the third frame to come closer 59-63.
The Crusaders, led by their athletic-point guard Ian Kit dela Cruz, however, had always something to answer as they stretched the lead to seven, 74-67, earlier in the payoff period.
From there then, a see-saw affair ensued as both teams imposed their will that forced the game to a five-minute extension.
The extension was no different from the regulation as both teams scored after each other until the score was 90-89, in favor of the Wildcats with seconds left to play.
With much eagerness to win, dela Cruz made a physical contact that earned him two charities on the free throw line for a chance to lead the game.
Crusaders then secured a narrow lead 91-90, with an exact 4.2 seconds on the clock.
While everyone celebrated, Gensan's Victor Jay Poral rushed his way to the rim and dished the ball to Diamante to finish at 92-91, at the buzzer.
There was 0.2 seconds left for the Crusaders but only a miracle could make that shot.
The Crusaders gave their best but the Wildcats proved to be the better team this year.
"Naiiyak ako. Sobrang saya kasi nanalo kami. Gusto kong magpasalamat sa management ng HTC for the support at sa lahat ng naniwala," HTC head coach Apolinar Torrijos said.
Diamante, meanwhile, paced HTC with a total of 32 points while Omadli finished with 19 points.
Demmwill Cosip, however, added 12 for the home-bound Wildcats.
The Isaias Gravador-coached Crusaders, for its part, leaned on the services of Dela Cruz, Renzo Galdo, Patrick Quidato and Jhayston Oquias who combined for 58 points.
Dela Cruz led the HCDC with 17 points while Galdo, Quidato and Oquias scored 16, 13 and 12 points, respectively.